Electric Vehicles

Frankfurt Show to Showcase New European Alt-Fuel Vehicles

July 13, 2011
• by Staff

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Renault announced plans to display its Frendzy concept electric car at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, scheduled for Sept. 13-25. In addition, Peugeot said it will exhibit the 2012 Peugeot 508 RXH diesel-electric hybrid at the show.

Renault Frendzy concept EV

Both European automakers have unveiled the vehicles to the media in advance of the show.

Renault said the Frendzy was designed to serve as both a business and personal vehicle. The car’s passenger side features one conventional door and one sliding side door that incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. The screen can be used to display messages or information regarding deliveries, for example. Sensors located on each door sill can log the loading and unloading of packages equipped with RFID chips, providing users a real-time inventory of goods carried in the vehicle.

The Frendzy’s powertrain is the same one used in the Kangaroo Z.E., but the charging point is located under the Renault logo at the front of the car.

The Peugeot 508 RXH is a full diesel-electric hybrid with four-wheel drive. The vehicle is equipped with the 2.01 HDi FAP HYbrid4 drivetrain.

Electric Vehicles

Automakers are increasingly debuting new vehicles and technology at CES, and this year will be no different, especially for Mercedes-Benz. The German automaker will show its new CLA sedan, EQC battery-electric SUV, and Vision Urbanetic cargo van concept at the show, which from from Jan. 8-11.

Infiniti will show an electrified concept crossover at the Detroit auto show in January, as it celebrates 30 years of producing vehicles and moves toward producing battery-electric crossovers and sedans.

Electrify America will invest another $200 million toward the development of zero emission vehicle infrastructure and education, which is the second investment from the company that was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).